INDUCTION CEREMONY - SAMPLE SCRIPT - E-district.org

Membership in a Lions club is an esteemed privilege. You are joining the world’s largest
and most active service club organization, consisting of over 1.3 million service-minded
men and women in approximately 45,000 clubs in 206 countries and geographical areas.
Our organization was conceived at a meeting in Chicago, Illinois, on June 7, 1917, under
the leadership of founder Melvin Jones. The expansion and growth of humanitarian
service has been accomplished through the dedication of our members. Today, we ask
you to help us carry the torch of Lions and build a brighter future for all mankind. We ask
you…“to serve.”
You are aware of the ethics and objects of our association, and of the work that Lions are
doing. I must impress upon each of you that the privilege of Lions membership also
entails definite obligations. Lions Clubs International is not a fraternal, social or political
organization. It is a group of men and women bonded together to do things that you and
I cannot do as individuals, a medium through which people of goodwill can serve their
fellow men. The motto of our association and of our own club is “We Serve.” As you
progress as a Lion, you will discover the great satisfaction that comes from sharing in our
effort.
You have seen how Lions clubs serve their communities and their neighbors who are
blind, sick, stricken and disabled. This humanitarian work would not be possible unless
people were willing to give their time and effort. Any member will tell you that this
requires work . . . work that you will be assigned and will be expected to do. Our work is
a cooperative effort in which every member shares the load so that the load of less
fortunate people will not be so heavy.
The rewards of membership are great. You will enjoy the fellowship of the finest men
and women in our communities. You will be warmed by the thanks of people you help
and by the people of the community you serve. You will have the pleasure of working
with other people and through club committee structure. You will see the problems of the
community and, as a Lion, be asked to assume leadership in their solution. Above all, you
will find in your Lions club a medium through which you… as good citizens and good
neighbors… can express to others, the good will that is in your hearts.
Since you have expressed a desire to affiliate with (Club Name) club, and with Lions
Clubs International, I now ask that you repeat after me, the Obligation of Membership:
“I (your name)… take this solemn obligation… to abide by the Constitution and By-
Laws of the club and the International Association of Lions Clubs…to attend all meetings
regularly… to support and further the interests of the club… in all its undertakings… to
contribute my fair share… towards the financial support of the club… I further declare…
that I will assist in maintaining… building… and strengthening the membership of the
club… that I will help the club… by actively serving on committees and in other
capacities… where my efforts are needed… and that I will practice…the principles of the
Code of Ethics… and the Objects of Lions International.”